Super Bowl Party Food Baked Taquitos
Highlighted under: Everyday Inspiration
I love serving baked taquitos during Super Bowl parties, as they are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. These crispy rolls packed with savory fillings make for the perfect finger food that everyone can enjoy. Every time I make them, I ensure they are loaded with just the right balance of spices and fillings to keep my guests coming back for more. Plus, baking instead of frying gives me peace of mind knowing I’m keeping things a bit healthier without sacrificing that amazing crunch!
One of my favorite memories is hosting game day gatherings, where baked taquitos are always a highlight. They are a hit because their crispy exterior perfectly complements the savory filling. I often experiment with various ingredients, like shredded chicken or black beans, but the key is to season the mix well for authentic flavor.
I remember the first time I made these for friends, and I couldn't believe how quickly they disappeared! A tip I found useful is to tightly roll the tortillas, which helps maintain their shape while baking. Trust me, they are worth the effort!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy and flavorful with every bite
- Customizable fillings for every palate
- Great for gatherings or snacking anytime
Choosing Your Fillings
One of the joys of making baked taquitos is the freedom to customize the fillings. While this recipe features shredded chicken, feel free to substitute it with seasoned black beans for a vegetarian option. Additionally, try incorporating ingredients like sautéed peppers, corn, or even chopped spinach for a fresh twist. Just make sure that, whatever you choose, your filling remains moist enough to keep the taquitos from drying out during baking.
If you decide to use ground beef or turkey, be aware that cooking the meat with a bit of olive oil can enhance its flavor profile. Browning the meat first and draining any excess fat will provide a savory filling that complements the crunch of the baked tortilla. Personalizing your taquitos ensures that everyone can indulge in their favorite flavors.
Technique for Perfect Taquitos
Properly rolling your taquitos is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch. Make sure your tortillas are warm before assembling; otherwise, they may crack or tear. A quick 30 seconds in the microwave should suffice, but using a damp paper towel can help retain moisture while warming them. Placing your filling closer to one end and rolling tightly will help achieve a tighter bond, minimizing any filling spillage during baking.
When baking, arranging the taquitos seam side down is essential. This ensures that the seam seals well and helps the taquitos maintain their shape. Spraying them with olive oil not only enhances browning but also contributes to achieving a golden, crispy texture. Keep an eye on them as they bake; they should turn golden brown and emit a mouthwatering aroma after 20-25 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Taquitos
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (or black beans for vegetarian)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Assemble the Taquitos
Lightly warm the corn tortillas in a microwave for about 30 seconds to make them pliable. Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling at one end of each tortilla, roll tightly, and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
Bake
Place the rolled taquitos on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. Spray lightly with olive oil spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serve
Once baked, let the taquitos cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dips like guacamole or sour cream!
Pro Tips
- For an added kick, consider using a spicy salsa or adding some diced jalapeños to the filling mixture. You can also prepare these ahead of time and freeze them. Just bake from frozen, increasing the baking time by a few minutes.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftover taquitos—though that’s often unlikely—they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They reheat beautifully in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Covering them with foil can help maintain moisture, ensuring they don’t dry out during reheating.
For longer storage, these taquitos freeze exceptionally well. After baking and cooling them completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents them from sticking together. They can be baked directly from frozen; simply add an additional 5-10 minutes to your baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Baked taquitos are a hit on their own, but serving them with a variety of dips elevates the experience. Guacamole, sour cream, or even a zesty cilantro-lime crema pairs wonderfully with the crispy texture and savory filling. For a kick, consider offering a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra layer of flavor.
For your Super Bowl party or any gathering, you might also create a taquito bar with various toppings, such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and jalapeños. This interactive element allows guests to personalize their taquitos, making the eating experience even more enjoyable and memorable. Sharing these crispy delights with friends and family will undoubtedly keep the conversation lively!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the taquitos in advance and freeze them. Just remember to bake them for a few extra minutes when cooking from frozen.
→ What other fillings can I use?
You can get creative with fillings! Popular alternatives include ground beef, turkey, or roasted vegetables, so feel free to customize to your liking.
→ How can I make them spicier?
Add diced jalapeños to the filling or choose a spicy salsa to mix in with your ingredients.
→ Can I use flour tortillas instead?
Yes, flour tortillas can be used, but they may not get as crispy as corn tortillas. Just warm them slightly before rolling.
Super Bowl Party Food Baked Taquitos
I love serving baked taquitos during Super Bowl parties, as they are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. These crispy rolls packed with savory fillings make for the perfect finger food that everyone can enjoy. Every time I make them, I ensure they are loaded with just the right balance of spices and fillings to keep my guests coming back for more. Plus, baking instead of frying gives me peace of mind knowing I’m keeping things a bit healthier without sacrificing that amazing crunch!
Created by: Olwen Bradford
Recipe Type: Everyday Inspiration
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 taquitos
What You'll Need
For the Taquitos
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (or black beans for vegetarian)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Lightly warm the corn tortillas in a microwave for about 30 seconds to make them pliable. Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling at one end of each tortilla, roll tightly, and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
Place the rolled taquitos on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. Spray lightly with olive oil spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once baked, let the taquitos cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dips like guacamole or sour cream!
Extra Tips
- For an added kick, consider using a spicy salsa or adding some diced jalapeños to the filling mixture. You can also prepare these ahead of time and freeze them. Just bake from frozen, increasing the baking time by a few minutes.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 10g